Strong finish for Canadian men and women at world sitting volleyball championships

EDMOND, Oklahoma – The Canadian men’s team loss its final two matches in five sets while the women concluded with a close battle against Britain this weekend at the world championships in sitting volleyball for athletes with a disability.

It was the first world championship appearances for both Canadian squads.

In the men’s consolation playoff round the Canadians lost the 15th place match to Hungary 19-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-19, 15-13. Earlier they fell to Morocco 25-15, 14-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-12. Canada finishes the tournament with two wins and five losses for 16th place out of 22 countries.

The Canadian men’s team members were Chad Drummond, Austin Hinchey and Doug Learoyd, all of Edmonton, Jose Rebelo of St-Hubert, Que., Kevin Strybosch of London, Ont., Eric Dechaine of St. Lina, Alta., Wilfredo Morewilson of Toronto, Mikael Bartholdy of Calgary and Greg Stewart of Kamloops, B.C.

In women’s competition, Canada put up a strong fight against Britain in its last playoff match falling 18-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-12 to finish in 12th place.

The women’s team members were: Chantal Beauchesne of St-Isidore, Ont., Allison Lang of Edmonton and Leaha Hickman of Lashburn, Alta. The other team members are Jolan Brunner of Vermilion, Alta., Danielle Ellis and Jordan Funnel, both of White Rock, B.C., Karen McCoy of Lincoln, N.B., Amber Skyrpan of Wandering River, Alta., and Tanja Hodzic of Vancouver and Krista McDonald of Kinuso, Alta.

Sunday’s championship finals pit Iran versus Bosnia-Herzegovina for the men and China versus the U.S., for the women.